If you’ve been living with spinal stenosis and chronic low back or leg pain, you know how it can impact every part of life, from walking around the block to standing at the kitchen counter. Superion® is an FDA-cleared implant that may be the solution you’re hoping for.
Diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis is one of our specialties at Pain Care, LLC. As one of Georgia’s premier interventional pain management practices, we diligently investigate and offer safe and effective therapies that help restore pain-free mobility.
The Vertiflex Superion system meets our expectations without the long-term recovery and rehab required after traditional surgery. Here’s how it works.
The Vertiflex Superion procedure is designed for people with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces in the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves traveling through these small openings.
Spinal stenosis can develop anywhere along the backbone, but it is most common in the lower back. This narrowing can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, especially when standing or walking.
During this outpatient procedure, a small device (the Superion implant) is inserted between the spinous processes, the bony projections at the back of your spine. The device (interspinous spacer) gently holds the space open, which relieves pressure on the nerves and reduces painful symptoms.
The entire process requires only a small incision, often under local anesthesia, and typically takes less than an hour.
Because it’s a minimally invasive treatment, there’s no need for bone removal. Recovery time is typically very short compared to open back surgery, with most people returning to routine activity relatively quickly.
Depending on the level of dysfunction related to LSS, your Pain Care specialist may recommend physical therapy and rehab to help restore strength and flexibility.
The Superion implant procedure isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great fit for certain patients:
If your symptoms worsen when you stand or walk and improve when you sit or bend forward, you might have LSS, which means you may be a candidate.
Our Pain Care team typically recommends physical therapy, medications, or injections first. If these treatments don’t provide adequate relief, the Superion implant may be an option.
Some people are not good candidates for traditional open surgery due to age, other health issues, or personal preference. The Superion device offers a less invasive alternative that still addresses the underlying nerve compression.
The procedure aims to keep you moving without the pain of LSS or prolonged downtime associated with more invasive procedures.
The overall benefits of the Superion implant include:
If chronic back and leg pain are limiting your life, you don’t have to keep guessing about what might help. At Pain Care, LLC, we take the time to understand your symptoms, review your imaging, and talk through every option so you can move forward with confidence.
Get the conversation started by scheduling a consultation. Call one of our convenient Georgia locations today.
